HOUSTON -- Hurricanes Katrina and Rita contributed to a boom in the local mosquito population. Some people use homemade remedies to help relieve the pain, but do they work?

Doctors say it is important to put something on itchy mosquito bites because too much scratching could make an open wound and lead to infection.

"It's an irritant, but what will happen is people will scratch at them and they can eventually cause infection and then they can also get impetigo from them if they get too many of them and get them infected," said Dr. Esta Kronberg, a dermatologist.

Some people say vinegar is the answer, while others try everything from rubbing alcohol and toothpaste to lemon juice or baking soda. But do these concoctions really work?

"I wouldn't do lemon juice, it might irritate it," Kronberg said.

While some home remedies might not be helpful, Kronberg said others are.

"It's valid, you can use toothpaste. It's anti-inflammatory. It will dry it up. You want to use toothpaste though, not tooth gel," Kronberg said.

Basically, home remedies just help ease the itch and pain.

The doctor said an over-the-counter steroid or hydrocortisone cream is the best bet.

"I would do topical steroid cream, emu oil, toothpaste and baking soda and water. Those would be my choices," Kronberg said.

If someone is allergic to mosquito bites, seek treatment from a doctor before using a home remedy.